Prisoner Dies in Qezel Hesar Prison Following Cardiac Complications and Delayed Medical Care

Breathing in Confinement, Tuesday, 8 September 2026: A prisoner held in Qezel Hesar Prison died after suffering cardiac complications amid delays in receiving medical care and being transferred to a medical facility.

According to Breathing in Confinement, the news outlet of the Prisoners’ Rights League in Iran, a prisoner died in Qezel Hesar Prison on Monday, 7 September. Breathing in Confinement has confirmed his identity as Abolfazl Mohammadi.

According to the report, Abolfazl Mohammadi, from Varamin, had previously been arrested on charges related to non-political offences. He was detained for some time in Khorin Prison in Varamin before being transferred to Qezel Hesar Prison.

Information received indicates that on Monday, 7 September, he suffered cardiac complications and a heart attack, requiring immediate medical care and transfer to a medical facility. However, there were delays in providing medical attention and transferring him for treatment, and he ultimately died.

Under the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, known as the Nelson Mandela Rules, prisoners must have access to healthcare services, and the quality of medical care provided to them must meet acceptable public-healthcare standards. Prisoners must also have access to necessary medical treatment, including specialist services and emergency care.

The Nelson Mandela Rules also emphasise the prison system’s responsibility for the physical and mental health of those in custody. They stipulate that when the required treatment cannot be provided inside the prison, the prisoner must be given access to appropriate medical services and facilities outside the prison.